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Sunday, 11 September 2016

Sunday Service at Crathie Kirk & The Queen Drives Kate and Carole Around Balmoral!

As expected, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made their annual sojourn to Balmoral, taking Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the royals' Scottish retreat to spend time with the Queen and Prince Philip before the summer closes. Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton also joined the group. They reportedly arrived on Thursday and will only be staying for several days as Prince William has an engagement in Battersea on Wednesday. This morning, the couple - styled the Earl and Countess of Strathearn in Scotland - were photographed arriving for Sunday service at nearby Crathie Kirk. Also in attendance were the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the Middletons. (You can view photos at the Mail Online, we will update should they become available to license).

Crathie Kirk is a small Church of Scotland parish church in the village of Crathie. The walls are built of local granite and the roof made of Scots Pine. Building materials were donated by the surrounding estates, and £5000 raised by the local population to fund construction. It is known as a regular place of worship for the British Royal family when they are staying in nearby Balmoral. The Princess Royal married her second husband, Timothy Laurence, at the church because she was divorced and, at the time, not permitted to marry in the Church of England.

Indeed, the picturesque church's royal connections are many. More from Wikipedia:

Queen Victoria donated two stained glass windows which commemorate author and social reformer Reverend Norman MacLeod, and endowed the kirk's Father Willis organ.

Victoria's highland servant John Brown is buried in the churchyard.

Princess Beatrice (later Princess Henry of Battenberg) donated four bells which continue to hang in the bell tower.

Edward VII donated two marble medallions commemorating his brother Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and sister Victoria, Princess Royal and Empress Frederick.

Edward's son George V donated a communion table dedicated to the memory of his father. This was made from white marble quarried on the island of Iona, the site of Columba's monastery.

Elizabeth II donated a Bible decorated with the Royal Coat of Arms.

It appears the Duchess wore her Michael Kors skirt suit this morning. A recap on the details: the slate/claret Virgin Wool Plaid Blazer is described as a "vintage-inspired equestrian silhouette" with notched lapels, long sleeves, four-button closure and plaid knit print. The piece originally retailed for £1000. Once again, Kate wore a black top underneath. The Guncheck Wool Trumpet Skirt is crafted from heritage guncheck wool with the trumpet silhouette offering a flattering feminine fit. Kate also wore a new burgundy hat and what may be her sapphire and diamond earrings.

Yesterday, Her Majesty took the wheel as she drove Kate to a picnic lunch. There is so much I love about this photo, and it's lovely to observe the closeness of the Queen with her granddaughter-in-law. It's clear they have much in common and have likely bonded over their love of country life. In ITV's documentary Our Queen at 90 Kate remarked: "I suppose what's really struck me is her love for the simple things in life. You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss, but actually what really resonates with me is her love for the simple things, the lack of fuss, and I think that's a special quality to have." It's simply wonderful to see the Queen, at 90, completely in her element driving herself about with a protection officer sitting in the back. We see few glimpses into the royals' private lives and this is a lovely snapshot to see. You can view more photos here.

'A smiling Kate looked happy and relaxed as she sat in the front passenger seat of the dark green Range Rover in a khaki coat and patterned scarf. William, 34, was also spotted driving a converted Land Rover Defender up the Capel Mounth path on the way to Glen Clova for a grouse shoot shortly after 10am yesterday. Walkers on the public path at Loch Muick were delighted to see the Queen, who appeared not to be wearing a seatbelt, driving Kate – who had her belt on – to the grouse moors.'

There's also a photo of the Queen driving Carole on Saturday. Again, it's excellent to observe the closeness between both sides of the family. Carole and Michael reportedly arrived on Thursday night. There are more photos available here.

The Queen chauffeurs Carole Middleton as she joins family trip to Balmoral with Prince George & Princess Charlotte. https://t.co/BIDvWFT8yt

The Duchess was casually attired sporting what appears to be a green jacket with a patterned scarf, which several tweeters have noted looks very similar to her Really Wild Autumnal Partridge Scarf worn on Christmas Day 2014 and her Alice band.

The Cambridges are reportedly staying at Prince Charles's private residence, Birkhall, and enjoying plenty of fresh air, walks and time with HM and Prince Philip ahead of their first overseas tour as a family of four later this month.

'A "paradise in the Highlands" is what Queen Victoria called Balmoral. On arriving at the Scottish retreat she famously recalled in her diary: "All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils."The magnificent estate, set amid mountains, lochs and glens, held a special place for the late monarch – just as it does for the present Queen and her family. Victoria and her husband Prince Albert first visited the Highlands in 1842, and were so struck they resolved to return.

In 1852 Albert formally purchased Balmoral property for his wife. The original house was deemed "small but pretty", which led to the commission of Balmoral Castle. Unlike other properties such as Buckingham Palace, it is privately owned.

Ever since, the Scottish holiday home has become a firm favourite with the royal family. The Queen and Prince Philip regularly spend two months a year at Balmoral, with other members of the family including Prince William and Kate dropping in for summer visits.'

William and Kate already have many happy memories there:

'William and Kate have spent some of their most romantic times at the residence, staying at a cottage called Tam-na-Ghar during their breaks from St Andrews University. The Prince also surprised his then-girlfriend in 2009, arranging a candle-lit dinner in a remote log cabin on the banks of the River Dee. A year later, Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton were guests of Prince Charles at his mansion on the estate, Birkhall. It was a sign that William and Kate's relationship was becoming even more serious – days later their engagement was announced.'

Princess Eugenie described Balmoral as "the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands. Why? Walks, picnics, dogs – a lot of dogs, there are always dogs – and people coming in and out all the time. It’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there; where you just have room to breathe and run".

With views like this, it's no surprise it remains a firm favourite.

We expect the tour itinerary will be released within a couple of days. See you all then!

This isn't a picnic where people eat on the ground. It's like a shooting lunch since it seems they were meeting up with the boys who went out hunting earlier. Maybe not on the scale of fancy as downton abbey shooting lunches but this isn't some picnic blanket thing lol

That photo is one for the history books for sure.What a sweet revelation of the Queen's vitality and generousity of spirit. A real, warm and loving woman. As a future Queen, every minute that Kate can spend with the current Queen is quite invaluable on many levels. Kate being driven around at Balmoral by the Queen. Amazing. And, going on a picnic to boot. How fun is that.

There is an article somewhere that talks about how William used to often take Kate to Tamna-Gar, as Charlotte mentioned, and about how he had quite a lot of renovations made to the cottage just for Kate, including having a Jacuzzi installed there. Pippa, reportedly, would sometimes accompany them there also. I would love to see the decor of the cottage.

And, having her parents as house guests of the Queen adds to that, plus having the Queen drive Carole home from the grouse shoot. William and Kate were staying with Charles and Camilla, so Michael and Carole were on their own with the Queen and Prince Phillip. How could anyone relax in that situation?

I think the Queen is a pro at putting people at ease and so is Prince Phillip. Michael and Carole have been around aristocracy since Marlborough days and since Kate started dating and then living with William. Since the wedding they have spent substantial time with the Queen and Phillip and with Charles and Camilla and all the inner circles of people therein. Their own daughter will be Queen one day and their grandson King and so on and so on. So, they shouldn't feel like just intermittent guests or interlopers in any way. They belong in the presence of Royality as they are part of it now.

Thanks for the post Charlotte! I love post like this. Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of just looking at post about clothes. They are beautiful, but just not my thing. I hope there are pictures of Kate and William at Church. Also I can't want for more info on the tour, hopefully the kids do go! Fingers crossed!

To share the awesomeness of this blog and the fun and beauty of our designs, I have emailed the previous page to Kate's parents' business address, hoping the team there will take a look see and enjoy, and, perhaps share the fun with Kate's mom. She might be so impressed with the blog (HOW could she not be) and with our designs that she may even share the fun with her daughter.

We have mentioned how awesome that would be if Kate could actually see our outfits. Now, she might. :)

I included a paragraph or two of introduction so they would be more likely to actually take a look see.

So nice to see an easy and comfortable relationship between the queen and Catherine. I hope we get to see more photos, especially if everyone went to church this morning. Why oh why do they never wear seat belts? Even on the estate, a deer could run in front of the car and hopefully the driver could stop suddenly and safely. It's one of my biggest pet peeves.

How lovely to see the Queen, at the wheel, with her family. From the photos it looks as if the Queen and Kate enjoy a close relationship. Also nice to see the Middletons included. Maybe it will silence the tabloids and their rumor mills. Then again, probably not!!! Balmoral looks like a heavenly area. The countryside is breathtaking. Amid the highlands and lochs.

I agree, Tedi. It can't have been 15 years already! I've been watching some documentaries with more details about that day. There was so much information to take in that day and the subsequent days, I just now learned that the Sears Tower was also evacuated and President Bush and Condoleezza Rice couldn't get ahold of Donald Rumsfeld because he was helping people evacuate the Pentagon. God Bless! I just re-read Charlotte's post from December 9, 2014. The Memorial is beautiful, peaceful.

Given some of the articles we have read about the Middleton's and speculation over their relationship with Charles, I am thrilled to see these photos. This is a loud and clear message from HM about where SHE stands.

I am concerned that Michael didn't seem to have been in attendance at the grouse shoot or church services. Does anyone else find that strange, particularly since the Queen is their host. He seems to dearly love the Queen so that makes his absence even stranger. Any thoughts on that anyone?

Yes it is. She meant for these pictures to be taken - a photographer did not just "happen" to be lurking around in the grounds of Balmoral. They were obviously given permission, being private grounds. The Maj wanted to give her support loud and clear to the Middletons.

I am not sure about everyone else but I am interpreting these pictures as confirmation that 1. there is indeed a rift between Charles and William with regards to the Middleton's presence in William's life and 2. The Queen is firmly in William's corner and appreciates deeply the way the Middletons have carried themselves. This is exactly the kind of signal of support that the Queen sends out. It is unmistakable.

This is all conjecture.. but honestly they have really shown Charles what dignified conduct is.

22:49, I also agree. And, upon reflection, this photo Journalism was so concise that I believe as you do regarding that. It was an expertly designed, perfectly orchestrated, remedial mini news blitz meant to calm the storm. It is a signature motis operandi of the Queen as you said.

And, they have just "shown Charles and Camilla what dignified conduct is". Very aptly put.

I pray that the Camilla wasn't the one stirring the pot, whispering in Charle's ear about the Middleton's (very normal) involvement with the children. Heaven knows how close the Queen was with her mom and sister, so Charles should consider that if Camilla starts buzzing in his ear any not-so-sweet nothings.

I agree with ya'll that the photos were not happenstance. And as much as the Queen highly esteems Kate and her parents, I think that the Middleton's invitation to stay with the Queen while William and Kate stay at Charle's and Camilla's, was a calculated thing meant to portray solidarity within the monarchy. They also seem to be wanting to learn from mistakes made in the past. The monarchy has to present solidarity. I do wonder whose brilliant campaign this was.

23:12, I do believe that 22:49 nailed it. I think the Queen is very close to William and does her best to make up for some of the regrettable circumstances of the past. Most likely, he shared his and Kate's feelings over the way the Middleton's have been treated in the press and, like most loving grandmothers, she took care of it AND made it look effortless. :)

Charles spends money on PR and it's like trying to walk DOWN an UP escalator. Meanwhile, HM gets behind the wheel and mission accomplished!

Thanks Charlotte. I am beyond impressed with this post. Lets hope the tabloids keep silent about the relationships between the Queen and the Middletons and the Queen and Catherine. The Queen is such a good example in so many ways of getting her point across without saying a word. I am so looking forward to the Canadian Tour.

wow. Kate chauffeured by the Queen. William and Kate and the children house guests of Charles and Camilla. Michael and Carole house guests of the Queen and Prince Phillip. Carole chauffeured by the Queen. Michael and Carole given pride of place on the Royal pew at the church service. A little bit of heaven in the foothills of Scotland today. I am so relieved. So happy the family is doing way better than reported. I was thinking there was a huge gap in PR concerning confirming these healthy family dynamics. Now the gap has been royally filled. Whoever iniated these PR events deserves a raise. Kudos

I would love to visit that area. It does look beautiful and so private. I do hope the next generations take clare of it and love it as it has been loved. Very interesting that the Middleton's were included for William and Catherine's visit. I wonder where they stayed. George and Charlotte must be in heaven. ali

I was thinking of you Royalfan on 9-11 - remembering you lost a family member. Even fifteen years on, the memory of that day is so strong - it seems like yesterday. My condolences and thoughts to everyone.

if anyone hasn't seen the photos of Princess Eugenie in an August article in Harper's Bazaar, you just HAVE to see them. The photographs are of her royally poised in the most beautiful gown in the sitting room of her home the Royal lodge at Windsor Park. What a room. What a gown. What a photo. The other photographs of her by Harper Bazaar are superlative and show how very beautiful Eugenie is when she is styled properly. You might not recognize her the style is so perfect for her. I SO wish Kate would do a royal pose like that. The Interview is very sweet also.

Anon 09:49, you are right, the photos of Princess Eugenie are beautiful!! That gown, that room, Princess Eugenie....wow, wow, wow. Very nicely done and I agree the interview is sweet and enlightening! Two things to know about Princess Eugenie is that she works and has a rod in her back...did not know that. Think that these type of interviews and exposure are important for the royals...makes them more relatable. There seems to be a lot of focus on Princess Eugenie of late.

I completely agree about wishing there could be "A Day in the Life of Duchess Kate" photo shoot!! Along the lines of the beautiful photos of Princess Diana in her home with her two sons. Would love to see Kate in her Norfolk home with her chldren and William. Maybe one day! cc

about how different Eugenie looks when she wears outfits that fit her body type and wears clothes that compliment her beauty and don't camouflage it, distract from it and generally make her look frumpy and sometimes clownish. She should absolutely have that Harper's Bizaar stylist on payroll immediately. She is a stunning beauty. Who knew?

Eugenie does look like a different person I agree. In those photos she goes from a little girl whose mother always dressed her wrong and she never lost that, to the very, very, va va va room best that Eugenie could ever look and in more than one photo. THAT Eugenie can change the world.

I find the photos and lodging accommodations ASTONISHING and such good news. Twenty years ago "the in-laws" would have shown up in the wedding photo at the palace, never to be heard from again basically. Thankfully, things are a lot different now. Autumn is welcomed in and her family included. Same with Sophie.

What was going through Carole's mind as she was being chauffeured by the Queen? Can you imagine? Would loved to have seen Michael and Carole's reaction when they received the invitation to spend the weekend with the Queen and Prince Phillip at Balmoral.

I was thinking the same thing! What on earth can Carole be thinking? What is she more stunned by? The fact that HM is driving, or that she is being driven by HM? This is such a surreal moment to capture in a photo. So iconic. Love it!

It really touched my heart, Carole with the queen and the later driving. At the end of the day, life is beyond status; it is also about our faith and what we value constructively. Carole had been instrumental in the couple's life along with her husband, Michael. Carole had received "the slap, the kick, bullying" by mis leading media which encourages its commenters to beat up on people, and undermining of who she is as a person. This is an excellent image in defense of the union of the marriage/royals and commoners/in laws and families. Smart move, may not be necessarily motivated by PR, but an excellent one which includes that.

That Michael Kors suit is one of my favorites. So classic English countrygentry.The belt on the model is positioned at least two inches above her natural waistline. Gives the appearance of a smaller waist.This styling is seen fairly often on designer models.

The Queen's coronation was one of the most blinged out events I have yet to see. I am surprised that they didn't need special filters on the camera due to all the vast sparkle. Tiaras galore, who could tally the combined carat weight of all the diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches? There were gold threads, silver threads, sparkling gems on the gowns, glistening in the light. HOPEFULLY, Kate being a student of art history and all, she has seen the video of the coronation and that will inspire her in the future to follow suit whenever the occasion even remotely allows. Bling is meant to bling and they have a lot of it.

Thank you for this absolutely lovely post, Charlotte! Isn't the Queen incredible, driving her guests around?!? I really, truly admire her for the lack of pomp, for her kind attitude to people and her sense of humour. I'm sure the media will always try to find something negative but for the BRF fans all over the world, this is a sight that warms our hearts! :)

I really don't understand all the brou-ha-ha about Charles spending time with the children. Kate would gladly schedule time for him with the children. Kate is loving and kind and enjoys Charles. And I don't think that William would begrudge his father even one second of time with George and Charlotte. He has only to ask, IMO.

1:24, I agree with you and I will actually stick up for Charles here. [Hopefully, no one has fainted at the thought of that!]

When the first story about Grandpa Charles vs. the Middleton's came out, I had stated that it COULD have been a very innocent observation on his part and SOMEONE [cough] used the opportunity to stir the pot where W&K (and the Middleton's) are concerned.

ON THE OTHER HAND, if Charles truly views the Middleton's as a pebble in his shoe, then he fails to understand how HIS own actions have contributed to William's bond with Kate's family. AND he is not considering what has been so very beneficial to his son.

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Kate's Calendar

27 February - The Duchess will visit the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to learn more about the College’s global health programmes to reduce maternal and newborn mortality worldwide, and will attend a roundtable discussion on tackling the stigma around women’s health.

Later that day, Kate will visit St Thomas' Hospital to officially launch a campaign to promote nursing worldwide. Her Royal Highness will visit a specialist ward, take part in a roundtable discussion and deliver a speech to mark the launch of the Nursing Now campaign.

28 February - The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, will visit the exhibition 'Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography'. Forming the Gallery's first Patron's Trail, Kate has selected images from the exhibition for which she has written personal captions that will be displayed alongside the photographs. The Duchess has also written a foreword to the exhibition catalogue.

19 May - The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor.

12 October - The wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at Windsor.